Elite Travel Group has welcomed three new members to the consortium, including Spa Travel in Boston Spa, West Yorkshire, and Select World Travel in Poole, Dorset.

The new members, which Elite claims defected from Worldchoice, joined the consortium on January 1, 2009. The third member has asked not to be named.

Paul Dayson, from Spa Travel, said: “I joined Elite having been a staunch Artac/Worldchoice member for over 20 years.

"I felt, however, that Elite was right for my business model, showing that we are a professional, quality agency and this is reflected in the name alone.

“For people who want to be seen as a real force in the independent market, Elite is the perfect group to take them forward.

"In this, we are all pulling together and not just working to pay the bills of a board of directors. For me, I'm proud to independent and proud to be Elite.”

Julie Franklin, commercial and membership manager of Elite Travel Group, said: “We are proud to welcome these members into our consortium. 

"They have already taken part in our Ethos networking meetings and have joined us socially at recent events."

• Elite agents fear Advantage fallout (23 Oct 2008)
• Elite claims four new members (16 Oct 2008)
• Worldchoice 'will not poach Advantage members (10 Sep 2008)